The head of the AA Charitable Trust has warned young riders not to put themselves at risk this Christmas, after new statistics revealed that young people are involved in a fifth of all December night-time road fatalities.
That’s despite their age group making up less then three per cent of licence holders.
Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said:
Young riders are involved in a significant percentage of fatal crashes on December nights – which may point to a link with riding home after a Christmas drink.
The December party season can be a dangerous cocktail for those who choose to mix drinking and riding.
There is no excuse to drink and ride, especially with the rise of alcohol-free drinks available. Organise a lift, take a taxi or public transport, or choose a zero-alcohol drink – the options are there.
Every year, lives are lost because of drunk and drugged riding. Whether it’s late at night, or the morning after a heavy night, you need to be aware of the risks and ensure you never ride if you’ve have been drinking.
The comments came after the AA analysed data from last December. It found that young people aged 17-20 accounted for 19% of all road deaths in December 2023 – yet they make up just 2.4% of licence holders of all categories.
It’s feared the temptation to ride after consuming alcohol, or being impaired by drugs, can be greater in December as many head out in the evening to pubs, bars and restaurants for Christmas socialising.
The AA/Yonder poll did reveal one positive shift – the rise in popularity of zero-alcohol drinks among drivers and riders. More than four-fifths (83%) said the range of zero-alcohol drinks now means there is no excuse for drink driving/riding.
